Before you jump in and start your own business, do you conduct a network study first? Justin sits down with Phil Schmidbauer of ODW Logistics to discuss the importance of warehouse and transportation optimization studies. Phil shares the importance of doing a network study or analysis to a business, especially if you’re in the production industry. Phil also shares how he handles consultation: It’s not about the network and charging sky-high fees, but it’s more of the quality and how his clients can benefit more and get their money’s worth. Highlights A little background: Who is Phil Schmidbauer and what’s his role in his company? - 0:20 What is ODW? - 2:10 Fundamentals of a network. - 4:03 Why is it important for a business to get a network study or analysis? - 6:28 Writing an article about network analysis. - 10:46 How does he decide on who he wants to work with? - 12:55 What he’s generally looking for from people? - 19:47 There is inefficiency in more complex networks: The more nodes you have, the more inefficient you are. - 24:23 Transportation costs will almost always cost higher than warehouse costs. Focus on how you can optimize your transportation costs first. - 30:30 Episode Resources Connect with Phil Schmidbauer https://www.odwlogistics.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-schmidbauer-b4020516 Connect with Justin Smith https://smithcre.com/ https://www.lee-associates.com/ jbsmith@leeirvine.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbsmith